Connecting to Your Company VPN

What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need It?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your computer and your company's network. When you're working from home or a coffee shop, the VPN makes your connection as secure as if you were sitting in the office — and gives you access to internal files, printers, and systems.

What You Need to Connect

Your IT team or TechShield will provide:

• VPN client software name (e.g., Cisco AnyConnect, GlobalProtect, FortiClient, OpenVPN, or Windows built-in VPN)
• Server address (e.g., vpn.yourcompany.com)
• Your username and password
• Any required certificate or configuration file

Connecting with Cisco AnyConnect (most common)

1. Open Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
2. Enter the server address provided by IT and click Connect
3. Enter your username and password
4. If MFA is enabled, approve the push notification on your phone or enter the code from your authenticator app
5. The status bar turns green when connected — you can now access company resources

Connecting with Windows Built-In VPN

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → VPN
2. Click Add a VPN connection
3. Fill in: VPN provider (Windows built-in), connection name, server address, VPN type, and credentials
4. Click Save, then click Connect

Connecting on Mac

1. Go to System Settings → Network
2. Click + to add a new interface
3. Select VPN as interface type, choose the protocol (IKEv2 / L2TP / Cisco IPSec)
4. Enter the server address, account name, and authentication settings from IT
5. Click Connect

Troubleshooting VPN Issues

• Can't connect: Check that your internet is working first. Try a different network (hotspot).
• Authentication failed: Verify your username/password, check Caps Lock, confirm your account hasn't been locked
• Connected but can't access files: Make sure you're accessing the correct server path (e.g., \\fileserver\share)
• Disconnects frequently: May be a firewall or ISP issue — contact IT
• Slow after connecting: The VPN routes all traffic through the company network; this is normal on slower connections